Instrument for surveying bore-holes.



PATENTED MAR. 5, 1907.

P. E. LEWIS.

INSTRUMENT FOR SURVEYING BORE HOLES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21, 1905.

v2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED MAR. 5, 1907.

. LEWIS.

INSTRUMENT FOR SURVEYING BORE HOLES.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 21, 1905.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

PERCY' EDWARD LEWIS, or JOHANN ESBURG, 'TRANsvAAn "As'sIGNoR .0F

CNE-FOURTH TO'LUTHER CYRIL FRANCK,` OFJOHANNESBURG, TRANSj VAAL.

To all whom it may concern:` 4

Be it known that I PEROY EDWARD LEwIs,

a subject of the Kingof GreatBritain residing' at Johannesburg, ransvaal, have invente certain new and useful Improvements in In' the following isa speciiication.l

This invention has reference to instruments designed for surveying bore-holes. e

It relates more particularly to means for fixing the indicators (the magnetic needle and plummet or lummets, when the latter are employed) in t e positions they assume at the point to be surveyed in the bore-hole and is designed to accomplish this in an eIicient and speedy manner and so allow the indications to be obtained'without undue loss of time.

According to my invention the indicators are arranged in a suitable casing and means are provi ed for admitting air or gas under ressure into or for exhausting om said casing, which by t e increased or reduced pressure operates meehanism which xes the indicators in the'positions they assume atthe point to lie-surveyed.

In order that m invention may be more readily understoo I append expganato drawings, illustrative thereof, mar ed with letters ofreference corresponding to the following description.

Figure 1 res resents a longitudinal section struments for Surveying Bore-Holes, of which of one form o instrument in the casing embodyin some of the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is-a sectional elevation through the center of the compass-box. Fig. 3'is a sectional elevation of a modification of the comass-box. Fig. 4 is a transverse section on ine X X, Fig. 1, showing the means for lixing the lummet or lummets. Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section o another form of the invention in which the plummets are dispensed with.l Fig. 6 is an end elevation of the compass illustrated in Fi 5 and its carrying or supporting frame. ig. 7 is a plan of the compass and su porting-frame. Fi 8 is a side elevation o the vertical ring w 'ch encircles the compass-box. Fi 9 represents a vertical sectional elevation ta en through the bore-hole, showing three of the instruments (illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8) arranged in they outer casing and the means for controlling the admission of the compressed air or gaseous fluid to said instruments.

specificaties pf Letten Patent. Appumion' and im 21.1905. anni No. :cassa the air or gaslNs-rnuMENr Fon sunvEYlNe Bons-HOLES.

In the several figures of the drawings like numerals of reference indicate the same orA corresponding parts in so far as they apply.-

In the general arrangement of the'instrul Patented mmh-5,190?. 'y

ment, as shown more particularly in Fig. 1, 1

represents an outer tubular casing, which serves for inclosing the instrument or instruments, if two or more are employed, for chec the information or .data thereby obtaine The casing 1 is shown fitted at the lower end with a screwed plug 2, which serves for closing the same.

3 represents the external casing of the instrument proper, which cas' 3 isshown litted at the ends with screwe lugs or end pieces V4 5, and 6 represent pacliing-rings of rubber or other suitable material located in annular grooves 7, formedaround the plugs V 4 5, which steady the instrument in the casing, and, if desired, make an .air-tight joint with the interior of the outer tube 1. A

8 represent pads or bull-ers of rubber or other suitable resilient material.

9 is an inner revoluble tube or casing which constitutes 'a carrying-frame for the several parts of the instrument. This inner tube 9 is at its ends fitted with caps 9, on which are formed trunnions or pivots 10, which have bearings in the inner ends. of thetwo plu 4 5, about which pivots said inner tube 9 1s free to oscillate. y

11 represents weights in the inner tube 9 and caps 9, which operate'` to bring said inner tube into such a osition that the plummets lie in a vertical p ane.

12 is the compassbox,which is supported on trunnions 13 inside the inner tube 9 and carries the magnetic needle 14.

. 15 is the casing in which the plummet or plummets 16 17 are located. Two plummets are shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, one for 95 measuring the angle or inclination of the hole to the vertical and the other for measuring the angle or inclination of the hole to the horizontal. 16 and 17 represent the pivots or points of suspension in said casing 15 of the lummets 16 17.

l T e above-mentioned parts of the instrument, which do not in themselves constitute any feature of the present invention, ma be constructed and arranged either as ilustrated or in any other suitable manner.

In Fig. 9 I show one method of using the invention. Inthis arrangement three of the IOO conducting the current to t inafter described) are located at the bottom of the'protecting-casing 1, the lower end of which 1s closed by the plug 2. Insteadof 'employing three 'of these instruments, as shown, one or more of the instruments shown in Fig. 1 may be placed inside the casing 1. The upper portion 1l1 of this casing is utilized as the storage for a quantit of' compressed air or any suitable gaseous luid under pressure.- This air or gas is pumped or otherwise assed into the casing 1 through an aperture 1n the to of the ca 18 of the casing 1, in which is ittedachec or non-returnvalve 19. In the screwed plug 4 in the u per end of the external casing 3 is formed a ole or passage 20, which places the interior of said casing 3 in communication with the interior of the outer casing .1. 21 represents a tube which coincides with the hole 20 in the screw-plug and projects through the buffer 8 into the casing 3. In the upper end of the casing 1 is .arranged an eleetromagnet 22, which is constructedwith a frame 22'* for carrying a valve 22h. 22 is apreferablyrigid pipe fitted over the outer end of the pipe 21 and projected through the frame 22, which pipe 22c forms at its upper end a seat for the valve 22". 23 is an electric cable which passesthrough a hole fitted with a land 23 inthe cap 18 in the upper end oft e casnngl 1 and serves for 22, and 24 is a cord attached to the cap 18 by means of the swivel-piece 24, which cord serves for raisin and lowerin the containing casing 1 1n the ore-hole. en the c1rcu1t is closed by means of a switch or otherwise atv the surface, the current is passed through the electromagnet 22, and the core 25 attracts the valve 22 and raises itof its seat in the upper end of the pipe 22 and so allows the compressed air or other fluid from the upper portion 1a of the casin 1 to pass down the pi e 22 through the ho e 20 in the vplug 4 to t e external casin 3 of the instrument proper.

In Fig. 2, ilustrative of one form of the means whereby the compressed gaseous fluid operates to fix the magnetic needle 14, 26

represents an aperture formed in the bottom of the hemispherical compass-box 12, come munieating, as shown in Fig. 1, with the inte- .rior of the external casing 3 through the opening 28 in the inner revoluble tube 9. Inside the compass-box 12 and over the aperture 26 is arranged a valve consistingl of a metal center tube 29, formed with a screwthreadat its lower end and screwed into the compass-box 12 above the aperture 26, and 30 is a rubber tube placed over the center tube 29, which allows the compressed gaseous fluid to pass through the port or passage 26 into the com ass-box 12 and prevents its return. The rub er tube 30 is held in position on the center tube 29 of the valve by means of the ring or cylindrical piece 31 and the cylinbox 12 round the valve.

e electromagnet,

drical nut 32,-screwed into the box 12 round said ring 31. 33 is a hollow cylindrical ieee forming an annular chamber 34V roun the valve on the inside of the box 12. .'lbis piece 33 is screwed into a recess 35, formed in the Round the upper end of the cylindrical piece 33 is screwed a nut. or ring 36, which serves for fixing a rubber diaphragm 37 round the top of said cylindrical picce33. '.lhe cylindrical iece 33, as

shown, is beveled at the top, an above the edge of' the rubber diaphragm 37 on the beveled end 38 is placed a conical ring 39, over which screws t] 1e nut or ring 36. The conical ring 39 serves to press the edge of the .diaphragm 37 firmly on its seat round the beveled end 38 of the cylindrical piece 33, and by removing the nut or ring 36 from contact with the rubber diaphragm 37 allows 1t tobe easily screwed into position. 42 is the needle which supports or forms the pivot for the magnetic needle 14. lhis needle 42 is shown screwed in-the upper end of the center tube 29 ofthe valve. he u per end of the center tube 29 of the valve is ormed with an external screw-thread, and over this end is screwed a nut 40, which at its upper end is shaped to form a conical recess in which is seated the inner edge of the rubber diaphragm 37. Above the inner edge of the diaphragm 37 round its seating in the nut 36 is placed aconical ring 40", and screwed over the conical ring 40b is a nut 40, which presses the inner` edge of the rubber diaphragm 37 on its seatinginside the nut 36. The nut 40c is constructed-With a countersunk head, so that it lOOv does not project appreciably above the level of the rubber diaphragm v37. The ma netic needle 14 is constructed with a centra boss 43. To the boss 43 of the needle 14 on the under side and immediately above the rubber diaphragm 37 is fixed a plate 44. In the top of the compass-box 12 above the needle 14 1s arranged a disk or piece of glass, mica, or other suitable referably transparent material 45. The g ass or transparent disk 45 is formed- With an opening at the center, which is covered by means of a cap 47. The transparent disk 45 is held in posltion by means of the ring 46, screwed into the top of the compass-box 12. On the under side of the transparent disk 45 is fixed a rubber ring or Washer 48.

The o eration of the mechanism is as follows: en the compressed gaseous fluid is admitted to the casing 3, it is free to enter the inner revoluble tube 9 by the opening 28. The fluid then enters the aperture 26 and passes through the valve into the chamber 34 surrounding the valve, and beneath the rubber diaphragm 37. The increased pressure distends or expands the rubber diaphragm 37 in an upward direction, causing it to come' into contact with the plate 44- and raise it and With it the magnetic needle 14 IIO . ment 7 9, which is free to move vertically in a raised beyond a certain oint. The hole 80, i

and force it onto its seat against the rubber .washer orring 48. The parts' remain in these positions .Iso lon as the maintained inside the c amber 34 1n the com ressure is pass-box 12.- A small hole 49 is ormedin the compass-box 12, communicating with the chamber 34, formed round the valve, in which hole is lfitted a plug upon the removal of which th'e compressed air or gaseous fluid esc ges from said chamber. 34 and allows the to again assume their normal positions.v

In the modification shown in Fig.,3 the compass-box 12 is constructed with an internal annular projection 65, which forms a seating for a plate 66, formed with an open center. This plate 66 is secured in position by means of a ring or cylindrical plece 67, which latter is also constructed with a recess 68 at the top, in which is tteda plate 69,

which in this case need not be of transparent material.

hole 80, formed in the under side of the box 12. To the gin 42, inside the compass-box 12,is attache a cap or disk 81,between which and the inside of the compass-box 12 is located a'spring 82. This spring 82 serves to kee the ivot-pin 42 in its normal position, an the ead l79 servesto prevent it being cated, is closed by means ot a plu 83. The

boss 43 of the ma etic needle 14 1s fitted at the top with a dis or plate 54. The rubber ring or washer .48 is fixed on the late 66 be- '7.5, which at their upper and neath the magnetic needle 14. the bot- -tom of the compassfbox 12 beneath the needle.14 are xed two (or more) sring-catches ee ends are shaped withprojections 76, which are adapted to engage a V-groove 77, formed in the under side of the b'oss of the magnetic needle 14 when the latter is lowered against the rubber ring or Washer 48. vBy this means the needle 14 is retained in position on thev rubber ring 48 when the pressure is removed from the to of the diaphragm 53. In the operation o this arran ement the aseouls the hole 28, and acting on the surface of tlgie rubber diaphragm 53 distende it and forces it through the hole 52 in the center of the plate 69 when it comes into contact with the plate 54 on the top of the boss 43 of the magnetic needle 14 and forces the latter onto its seat on the rubber ring or Washer 48. Meantime ber diaphragm 37 and`magnetic needle 14 y means of another ring 51.

lother arm of the trigg the underA portion of the boss of the needle 14 has pressed out the spring-catches 75, which have come into engagement with the V groove 7 7, and so retain the needle 14 in position on the rubber ring 48. The parts are retained in these positions until the springcatches 75 are released, whereupon the spring 82, engaging the cap 81 on the pivot-pm 42, raises the latter until the head 79 is in the to of the recess 80 at which time the needle14 1s clear of th bber ring or washer 48. The spring 82 for the plivot-pin 42 is such that it yields readily to t e pressure exerted by the dia hragm 53 on the magnetic needle 14.

n Figs. 1 and 4 I show the arrangement for iixing the plummets 16 and 17, when such are employed. I illustrate this arrangement in connection with the plummet 16; but it Vwill be understood that the same construction is used for the other plummet 17. The

casing or box 15,' containing the plummets 16 17 is formed into two-compartments vertically by means of the verticalplate 86. The casing 15 is tted with sheets of preferably trans arent material 87 at either side,

through W 'ch the positions of the plummets 16 17 may be ascertained. Inside the plummet-casing 15 is fixed a cylinder 88, which is placed in communication with the interior of the external case `by means of apertures 89,

. formed in the inner revoluble tube 9 and the plummet-cas 15. Inside the cylinder 88 is a piston 90, the piston-rod 91 of which is attached at its outer extremity to one arm of the trigger-lever 54", fulcrumed on the pin 55 insi e the casing 15. 92 is a sprin of U shape,'which at its extremities is xe to the division-plate 86. It is preferably covered at the front with a stri of rubber 92. The spring 92 is constructe at the bottom with a proJection 93 which is engaged by the l er-lever 54. The U- spring92 is located at the back of the plummet, and when released by the trigger-lever -54 disenga g'the projection 93 1t springs forward an fixes the lummet against the plate 94, which latter 1s preferably covered at the edge with a stri .of rubber orother suitable material 94. en the compressed gaseous fluid is admitted to the case of the instrument, it passes in through the apertures 89 into the cylinder 88 and raises the piston 90. This raises the one arm of the trigger-lever p54 and causes the other arm to disengage the projection 93 at the bottom of the U-spring 93, whereupon the latter is released and springs forward and engages the plummet and holds it against the plate 94.

In case two or more ofthe instruments are employed for obtaining simultaneous readings then the plug 5 in the lower end of the external casing 3 of the'instrument proper may, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, be constructed with a hole 95 for placing the casings of the. instruments in communication, as shown IOC IIO

brating the parts of the instrument.

In Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8 I show a modiied l form of my invention and one in which the cated a piston 98".

plummets 16 17, employed in the previouslydescribed arrangement for measuring the angles er inclinations of the hole to the vertical and horizontal, are dispensed with. In this construction I p'rovidemeans for lixing the magnetic needle 14 in the position it assumes at the point to be surveyed and I also provide means for ixing t e compass-box 12 bodily in the osition into-which it swings at the point to )e surveyed. In this arrangement the outer casing 3 of' the instrument roper is, as shown in the construction in llig. 1, iitted with the end plugs 4 5, packingrines 6, rubber buffers 8, pipe 21, communicatmg with the hole 20, and the hole 95, closed by the plug 9 6. 'lhe end caps 9 are formed with the trunnions 10, which have bearings in the plugs 4 5. The compass 12 is carried by a frame or carriage '98, which is shaped to it inside the revoluble casing 9. This frame 98 is constructed with curved arms 98, which form bearings for the trunnions -13 ofthe compass-box 12. 98b are strips formed inside and longitudinally of the inner casing 9, which by servin and stops for the upper ends of t e arms 98 keep the compassox 12 and bracket 98 in posltion and prevent them rotating inside the inner casing 9. The part .98C ofthe frame 98, abutting the inside of the .cap 9, prevents any movement of the compass-box 12 longitudinally ofthe casing 9. In the part 98l of the frame 98 is-ormed a hole in which is lointo an annular recess 98", formed on the boss of the cap 9u on the inside. 99 is a hole which places the interior of the casing 3 in communication with the recess 98fat the back of the piston 98. In the part 98d of the frame 98 on the inside and above the iston 98,e is located a trigger-lever 99, Whic is fulcrumed at 99h. One arm of this triggerlever 99 is attached to the piston 98 by means of a pin or screw which 1s free to work in a -slot longitudinally of the trigger-lever 99u. 99c is a spring which is fixed at one eX- tremity to the inside of the part ,98d of the frame 98 below the piston 98e. This spring 99 hasattachedto lts i'reeextremity a rubas guides This piston 98e projects,

thecompass-b'ox 12.

In the operation of this instrument the compressed air or gaseous lluid is admitted into the space between the casing .3 and the inner revoluble tube 9 and asses through the hole 99 to the rear of the lston 98. This forces the piston-98l inwar or toward the compass 12' and by moving the trigger-lever 99 on its pivot 99b causes the hook to disengage the spring 99, whereupon lthe latter springsA forward until the rubber' pad 99d comes into contact with the eriphery of the ring 10() and firmly secures t e compass-boi; 12 1n the position it assumes at the point to be surveyed. The spring 99 is of suflicient strength to hold the com ass-box 12 against the action of gravity. he means for the magnetic needle 14 may be either of t-he construction shown in Fig. 2 or in Fie'. 3. In Fig. 5 of the drawing the spring 99c 1s shown released by the trigger-lever 99 and press', the rubber pad 99 against the vring 160, an so reventing movement ofthe compass-box 12 '1n the vertical plane.

In Fig. 9 I show' three of the instruments illustrated in Figs. 5 to 8, the outer casings 3 of which are intereommunicating, as previously explained. The circles represent the three compass-boxes 12 and rings 100 and show the horizontal position assumed by the top of the compass-box 12.

n using the instruments constructed in accordance with Figs..1 and 2 and 4 or Fi 1, 3, and 4 the magnetic needle 14 and the p ummet or plummets 16 17 are placed in their normal positions, so that they are free to move about their points 'of support or suspension. The instrument or instruments is or are then placed inthe protecting-casing 1 and the compressed gaseous fluid then admitted to the upper portion 1l of said casing. The instrument 1s then lowered to the point in .the bore-hole which it is desired to survey. Sufficient time is then allowed for the magnetic needle 14 and plummet or plummets 16 ,17 to' come to rest, whereupon the electric circuit is closed, and the electromagnet 22 then opens the valve 22h, which allows the compressed gaseous luid to enter the instru- .ment and operate to ix the magnetic needle 14 and plummet or plummets 16 17 in the positionsthey have assumed in the manner previously explained.

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pressed gaseous fluid is admitted to the interior ofthe casing 3 and passing in through the aperture 99 moves the piston 98 forward and releases the'spring 99 which fixes the compass-box 12. When th moved forward, the gaseous fluid then enters the interior of the casing 9 and iixes the compass-needle 14 in the manner hereinbefore explained.

` If desired, the case of the instrument may be filled or partially filled with water, oil, or other suitable li uid, so that when the compressed gaseous uid is released the pressure will be transmitted' thro h the liquid to operate the mechanism for g'the needle14- and lummet or plummets 16 17. A

What I claim as'm invention, and desire to protect by Letters atent, is-

1. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of an indicator, a casinlinclosing the same, means for fixing the in 'cator and means' for cha the pressure of the air or gas in the casing to actuate the means for fixing the indicator.

2. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the indicators of a casino' inclosing the same means for fixing the inccators and means for reducing the pressure of the air or gas in said casing to' actuate the :first-mentioned means by the internal pressure.

3. In an instrument for surveying boreholes the combination with a com ass or ma etic needle 'of means for iixin t e same sai means being actuated throug the medium of a gaseous fluid substantially as described.

4. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with a magnetic needle and a plummet, of means for fixing said magnetic needle and plummet in the positionsthey assume at the point to be surveyed and means for operatin the first-mentioned means by a gaseous flui substantially as de-f scribed. 1

5. In an instrument for surveying boreholes tlie combinationof a compass comprising a com ass-box and magnetic needle, means for ing said magnetic needle and the compass-box in the positions they assume at the point to be surveyed and means for operatin the rst-mentioned means by a gaseous iiui substantially as described. f

6. In an instrument for surveying boreholes the combination with a compass-box, a magnetic needle -and a pin supporting` the same, of a distensible diaphra m which when distended fixes the ma netlcl needle and means for distending the diaphragm by Huidpressure.

7. In an instrument for surveying boreholes the combination of a compass-box, a pin yieldingly su porting a ma etic needle, a magnetic need e, a.` distensib e diaphragm e piston 98 is above said needle which when distended dep theneedle and xes it, substantially as described.

-8. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, tildianimbination of a compass-bol,l a in 'e ysup rting am etic nee e, l: mlgnetic needleio a distensilddx diaphragm above said needle, a ring or washer of resiliv ent material below the needle onto which .the needle is depressed and held when the diaphragm is distended, and means for retaining the needle in vposition when it is washer through the medium of a compressed gaseous fluid, substantially as described.` 'v

9. In anl instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of acompass-box and magnetic needle therein, means for yieldngly sup orting said magnetic needle, a distensible 'aphragm above said needle, a ring or washer of resilient -material below the needle onto which the needle is depressed .forced onto its seat on the resilient ri-ng 4or and held when the diephragm isdistended,

and means consisting o spring-catches which engage the needle andl serve to secure it in positlon When it is lforced onto the ring or washer through the medium of compressed air or other gaseous fluid, substantlally as l described.

10. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a compass-box and magnetic needle therein constructed with a central boss, a pin which forms a support for the magnetic needle locatedin a ole and formed with a head fitting a recess in the un- IOO der side of the box which serves as a stop for l the pin when moved in an upward direction, a disk iixedto the pin inside the box, a spring located between sa1d disk and the inside of the box which serves to keep the in in its normal position, a plate fittedV inslde the box, a ring or Washer of resilientmaterial secured on the to of said plate beneath the magnetic nee le, a pluralit! of `sprin -catches fitted to the bottom of t e box on t e'inside adapted to secure the ma netic needle 'when it is pressed onto the resi ient rubber ring or Washer, another plate closing the box above the needle formed 'with a central a erture above said boss of the magnetic needlle, and a distensible diaphragm secured to the plate over the aperture which is adapted when disl tended through the medium of com ressed air or other gaseous iluid to engage t e boss of the magpetic needle to force the needle onto the ru ber ring or Washer, substantially as described. y

11. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a compass-box and magnetic needle therein, constructed with a central boss and With a roove in said boss on the under side, a pin 'orming a pivot for said magnetic needle, said pivot-pin located in a hole in the bottomof the compass-box and formed with a head adapted to recipro- IIO ' cate in a recess,a plug closing said recess, a

disk or plate attached to the upper end of the pin inslde the compass-box, a spring interposed between said plate and the top of the compass-.box on the-inside, a plate or disk formed with an open center, arranged inside the'box, a ring or nut securing said plate in position, a ring or Washer of resilient material above said plate and beneath the magnetic needle, another plate or disk formed with a hole at the center fixed in the box above the magnetic needle, a ring or nut for securing said plate or disk, an india-rubber disk fixed to the top late above the central aperture which is a apted when distended through said aperture to'engage the top of the boss of the magnetic needle to l'orce 1t onto its seat on the rubber ring or Washer, and a plurality of spring-catches fixed to the bottom of' the box on the inside adapted to engage the the groove in the under side of the -boss when the magnetic needle is forced onto the resilient ring or Washer through the medium of compressedair or other gaseous fluid, substantially as described.

12. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with a plummet of a spring medium and lneans actuated by compressed air or other gaseous fluid for releasing said spring medium to fix the plummet in the position it assumes in the bore-hole at the point to be surveyed, substantially as described.

13. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a plummet, a spring adapted when released to fix said plummet in the bore-hole at the point to be surveyed, a piston actuated by compressed air or gaseousfiuid which operates means for releasing said spring, substantially as described.`

14. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a plummet, a

spring, a catch-lever serving to maintain said spring in its inoperative position, a cylinder, a piston located in said cylinder, said piston serving to operate the catch-lever to release the s ring when actuated by compressed air or ot er gaseous fluid, substantially as described. i

15. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combinationof a plummet, a U- spring located at the back of said plummet, a catch-lever which engages said spring and maintains it in its inoperative position, a cylinder, a piston therein, said piston actuating the'ca ch-lever to disengage the U- s ring when omfressed air or other gaseous uid is admitte to the cylinder, substantially as described.

16. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a casing, a plummet pivotally supported therein, a U-s rin located at the rear of the plummet, tte with a strip of resilient material and constructed with ar projection, a plate located in front of the plummet fitted Wlth a strip of resilient material against which the plummet is secured by means of the spring when the latter is released, a catch-lever Which by engaging the projection serves to maintain the spring in its inoperative position, a cylinder, a piston therein connected to the catch-lever for operating the lever to release the spring when compressed air or other gaseous fiuid is admitted to the cylinder, substantially as described.

17. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with a compass-box sof a vertical ring encircling said box, and means operated by gaseous-fluid pressure for fixing `the compass-box in the position it assumes at the point to be surveyed.

18. In an .instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the compass-box of a vertical ring encircling said box, means o erated by gaseous-fluid pressure for fixing t 1e com )ass-box through the medium of said ring in tlie position it assumes at the point to be surveyed, a magnetic needle located in said box, and means for simultaneously fixing said magnetic needle.

19. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, tlie combination with the compass-box and magnetic needle of" a vertical ring encircling said box, means operated by gaseousfluid pressure for fixing the magnetic needle and com ass-box in the positions they assume at t e point to be surveyed.

20. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the compass-box and magnetic needle of a vertical ring encircling sald box, means operated by gaseousfluid pressure for iixing the magnetic needle and com ass-box in the positions they assume at tlhe point to be surveyed, and means for controlling the gaseous-fluid pressure.

21. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the compass of a vertical ring encircling the same, a spring adapted to come into engagement Wit-h the vertical ring to fix the compass, and means actuated by gaseous-fluid lpressure Jfor releasing said spring to fix the compass.

22. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the compass of a vertical ring encircling the same, a s ring adapted to come into engagement Wit the vertical ring, a catch-lever engaging said spring and means for operating said catchlever to release the spring to fix the compass by fluid-pressure.

23. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with the compass of a vertical ring encircling the same, a s ring adapted to come into\ engagement wit the vertical ring, a catch-lever engaging said spring, and a piston for operating said catchvlever to release the spring to fix the compass by fluid-pressure.

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24. In an instrument for surveying bore holes, the combination with a revoluble casing, of a compass pivotally supported in said revoluble casing, a vertical ring encircling said compass, a spring adapted to come into.4 engagement with the vertical ring, a catchlever engaging said spring, and a piston actuated lby iiui -pres'sure for operat' said catch-lever to release the spring to hxthe compass.

25. In an instrument foi surveying boreholes, the -combination with an outer casmg of an inner revoluble casing, a compass pivotally supported in said revoluble casing, a vertical ring encircling said compass', a spring adapted to come into engagement with the vertical ring, a pad oiresilient material fixed to said spring, a catch-lever enaging said spring, anda piston actuated by uid-pressure for operating said catch-lever 4to release the spring to fix the compass.

26. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with an outer casing of a revoluble inner casing, a frame, a compass pivotally carried bg said frame, a vertical ring encircling sa' compass, a spring and pad carried by the frame and adapted to come into engagement with the `vertical ring, a catch-lever iixed to the frame and ada ted to engage said spring, a piston actuate by fluid-pressure for operating said catch-lever to release the Spring to iX the compass.

27. In an instrument for surveyingl boreholes, the combination with an outer casing, of plugs fitted in the ends of said casing for closing the same, a revoluble inner casing pivotally sup orted in said plugs, a frame carried by sai innerportion, a com ass pivotally carried by said frame', means or fixing the ma etic needle of said compass through l the me ium of gaseous-fluid pressure, a vertical ring encircling said compass, a spring and pad carried by the frame and adapted to comeinto engagement with the vertlcal ring, a catch-lever fixed to the frame and adapted 4 to engage said spring, a piston located in the frame and rojecting into a recess in one end of the revolilble inner case, a hole placing the interior of the outer casing in communication with the back of the iston for actuating it by fluid-pressure to re ease the sprin to fix the compass, substantially as descri ed.

28. In an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination with an outer casing, of plugs tted in the ends of said casing for closin the same, holes formed in one of said plugs or admit in the gaseous fluid to said casing, a reve ub e inner casing pivotally supiported in said plugs, a frame carried by sal inner casing, means for retaining said frame in osition, a compass pivotally carried by sald frame, means' for xing the magnetic needle of said com ass through the medium of the gaseous lui admitted to the casing, a vertical ring encircling said compass, a

plug or closing one of said holes, an irmer catln Wit spring and pad carried-by the frame and adapted to come into eng ment with the vertical ring a catch-lever ed to the frame and adapted to engage said spring, a piston located 1n the frame and projecting into a recess in one end of the revoluble inner casing,

a hole placing the interior of the outer casin in communication with the recess at the bac of the piston for actuating it fluid-presb sure to release the spring to x tlm-compass,

and means for admitting gaseous fluid to the interior of the casing when the instrument is lowered into position at the oint to be surveyed, substantially as descri ed.

29. An instrument for. surveying boreholes comprising an outer protecting-casing, an outer casin `for the instrument proper, pllugs closing t e ends of said outer casing, p s of resilient material tted in the ends of said 'casing and with packing-rings for steadying said casing. in its 'rotect' -casing said f plu bein also forme with ho es communicatm Wit vthe interior of said casing and a revoluble portion supportedin the plu in the ends of the outer casing on the msi e a frame carried by said inner casing, means or retaining said frame in positiontherein, a compass pivotally carried by said frame means for iixin the magnetic needle of sai com ass throug the medium of the gaseous ilui admitted to the casing, a vertical ring encircling said compass, a spring and pa carried 'by the frame and adapted to come into engagement yWith the vertical ring, a catch-lever fixed to the frame and adapted to engage'said spring, a pistonlocated 1n the frame and rojectmg into a recess in one end of the revo uble inner casing, a hole placing the interior of the outer casing in communication with the recess at the back of the piston for actuating it by fluid-pressure to release the spring to X the compass, and means locatedvin the protecting-casing for admittin gaseous iiuid from sald protecting-casin to t e outer casing of the instrument throu the vhole in the plug, substantially as escribed.

30. An instrument for surveying boreholes comprising an vouter protecting-casing, an outer casin for the instrument proper, plugs closing tie ends of said outer casing, pads Iof resillent materiall fitted in the ends of said casing and with packing-rings for steadying said casing vin its protectin -casing, said 1 also formed With ho es communithe interiorv of said casing and a plug or closing one of said holes, an inner revoluble portion supported in'. the plugs in the ends of the outer casing on the inside, a frame carried by said inner casing, means for retaining said-frame in position therein, a compass pivotally carried by said frame, means forxin the magnetic needle of said compass throug the medium of the gaseous plugs being loo n IlO fluid admitted to the casing, said means consisting of a valve located in said compassbox, a piece surrounding and vforming va chamber` round said valve and a distensible diaphragm forming the top of said. chamber which when distended fixes the magnetic needle, la vertical rin encircling said conil pass, a spring and pa carried by the frame and adapted to come into engagement with the vertical ring, a catch-lever fixed to the frame and adapted to engage said spring, a piston located in the frame and projecting into a recess in one end of the revoluble inner casing, a hole placing the interior ofthe outer 'casing in communication with the recess at the back of the piston for actuating it by fluidpressure to release the spring to fix the compass, and means located in the protectingcasing for admitting gaseous fluid from said protecting-casing to the outer casing of the instrument through the holel in the plug, substantially as described.

31. An instrument for surveying bore-holes comprising an outer protecting-casing, an outer casing for the instrument proper, plugs closing the ends of said outer casing, pads of resilient material fitted in the ends of said casing and with packing-rings for steadying said casing in its protectiiig-casing said plugs being also formed with holes communicating with the interior said easing and the plug for closing one of said holes, an inner revoluble portion supported in the plugs in the` ends of the oiitei casing on the inside, a frame carried by said inner casing, means for retaining said frame in position therein, a compass pivotally carried by said frame, means for fixing the magnetic needle of said compass through the medium of the gaseous fluid admitted to the casing, said means consisting of a pin yieldingly supporting the magnetic needle, and a distensible diaphragm above the disk, which when distended causes the needle to be fixed, and spring-catches for fixing the needle, a vertical ring encircling said compass, a spring and pad carried by the frame and adapted to come into engagement with the vertical ring, a catch-lever fixed to the frame and adapted to engage said spring, a piston located in the frame and projecting into a recess in one end of the revoluble inner casing, a hole placing the interior of the outer casing in communication with the recess at the back of the piston for actuating it by fluid-pressure to release the spring to fix the compass, and means located in the-protecting-casing for admitting gaseous fluid from said protecting-casing to the outer casin of the instrument through the hole in the p ug, substantially' as described.

32. In instruments for surveying boreholes, 4the combination of an outer protectingcasing for carrying the instrument, which serves as the storage for a compressed gaseous fluid, an outer casing for tlie instrument roper, plugs fitted in the ends of said casing iiirmed with a hole placing said. outer casing in'coiiimuiiication with the pro tectve casing, an inner revoluble casing, a. compass carried by said revoluble casing and a plummet cai'- ried by said revoluble casing, and means located in the protecting-casing adapted to be o ei'ated to allow the compressed gaseous llui( to pass from said casing into the casing of the instrument, and means actuated by said fluid for fixing the magnetic needle and plummet in the positions they assume at the point to be surveyed, substantially as described.

lii instruments for surveying boreholes, the combination of an outer protective casing for carrying the instrument, which serves as the storage for a compressed gaseous fluid, an outer casing for tlie instrument )roper, plugs fitted in tlie ends of said casing lornied with a hole lacing said outer casing in communication with the protective casing, an inner revoluble casing, a compass carried by said revoluble casing, means for fixing the magnetic needle of said compass by fluidpressure consisting of a valve located inside the compass-box, a piece surrounding and forming a chamber round said valve and a distensible diaphragm forming the' top of said chamber which when distended fixes the magnetic needle, a plummet carried by said revoluble casing, means for fixing said plummet by fluid-pressure consisting of a spring, a lever engaging said spring and a piston actuating said lever to disengage the spring, andmeans located in the protective casing adapted to be o erated to allow the compressed gaseous fluid to pass from said casing into the casing of the instrument, substantially as described.

34. In instruments for surveying -bore holes, the combination of an outer protectingcasing for carrying the instrument,` which serves as the storage for a compressed gaseous fluid, an outer casing for the instrument roper, plugs fitted in the ends of said casing ormed with a hole placing said outer casing in communication with the protective casing, an inner revoluble casing, a compass carried by said revoluble easing, means for fixing the magnetic needle of said compass b fluidpressure consisting of a pin yieldingl;T supporting the magnetic needle, and a distensile dia hragm above the needle, which when l(listen ed causes the needle to be fixed, and

spring-catches for fixing the needle, a .plum- IOO IIO

met carried by said revoluble casing, means for fixing said plummet by Huid-pressure consisting of a spring, a lever engaging said spring anda piston actuating said lever to disengage the spring, and means located in the protective casing adapted to be operated to a low the compressed gaseous fluid to pass from said casing into the casing of the instrutuating said valve and an electric cable for passing a current of electricity through said electromagnet to allow of the lluid being passed inte the easing of the instrun'lent at any desired point in the bore-hole for fixing the compass and plummet, substantially as described.

36. In an instrument for surveying bore holes, the combination oi a protecting-casing providing storage for a quantity of' leempressed gaseous iiuid, an outer casing 'for -the instrument proper formed with a hole in one end thereof', a pipe located insaid hole, a valve fitted in the other end of said pi pe, an electromagnet in the protecting-casing adapted to raise the valve to admit the Iluid to the instrument-casing, an electric cable for passing a current of electricity through the electromagnet to aetuate the valve, substantially as described.

37, ln an instrument for surveying boreholes, the combination of a protecting-casing providing storage for a uantity of compressed gaseous lluid, a vziive to said casing through which said easing may be charged with said gaseous luid under pressure, a plurality of instruments having outer casmgs which are made intercommunieating and with inner revoluble casings carrying compasses and plummets,a pipe located in said protective casing through which the iluid is admitted to the instruments, a valve fitted in the upper end of said pipe, an electromagnet in the protective casing ada )ted to raise the valve to admit the Huid to the casings of the instruments, and an electric cable for passing a current of electricity through the elcctromagnct to aetuate the valve, substantially as described.

.ln witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing Wit- IIOSSCS.

PEKCY EDWARD LEWIS. Witnesses CnAs. OVENDALE R. OVENDALE 

